“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the Gospel…”– (Philippians 1:12).
Paul wrote these words from a prison in Rome. His prison time had not hindered the Gospel but advanced it! He had been brought before kings and rulers, just as the Lord foretold. The audiences at his trials held thousands of people, both Romans and Jews, who would never have heard the Gospel otherwise.
He wrote, “My bonds in Christ are manifest among all the Praetorian Guard, and in all other places.” Historians tell us the Praetorian Guard was ten-thousand strong of the best handpicked soldiers in Rome. They had double pay and special privileges and became so powerful that emperors had to court their favor. Paul had contact with one after another of these elite soldiers. Not only that, but many among Caesar’s own household came to know the Lord personally. At the end of his letter, Paul wrote… “All the saints greet you, especially they of Caesar’s household.” Who would have thought?!
We can say the same for our day. The Gospel of Christ is advancing like wildfire. Bible sales have skyrocketed, Bible podcasts have jumped to number one, and Churches which livestream have seen exponential increases in viewers. Bible Apps recorded the most searched words for 2024 were “prayer” and “peace,” making the most read Bible verse, Philippians 4:6,7 – “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Whatever your circumstances, ask the Lord to help you to turn the tables for the furtherance of the Gospel.
(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)
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